Choosing Appropriate High School Classes for a Future in Occupational Therapy

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for students interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy. This guide is designed to help you navigate the necessary steps and coursework, from high school to graduate school, ensuring you're on track to achieve your goal.

Understanding the Requirements

Becoming an occupational therapist is a rigorous educational journey that typically involves both undergraduate and graduate studies. According to professionals in the field, there is no fixed set of high school classes that directly prepare one for occupational therapy. However, a well-rounded education can provide a strong foundation. One approach is to seek advice from a practicing occupational therapist or physical therapist, who can offer detailed insights based on their own experiences.

College Education and Licensing

The path to becoming an occupational therapist primarily involves pursuing a doctoral degree. This usually entails four years of undergraduate studies, followed by an additional three years of graduate school. While high school classes may not be specifically required, maintaining strong academic performance is crucial for getting accepted into competitive universities. Your high school transcript will not be a primary factor for occupational therapy schools, but impressive grades are important for university admissions.

High School Academics and Psychology

Given that occupational therapy is closely related to psychology and human behavior, focusing on psychology-related subjects in high school can be beneficial. The high school curriculum is designed to be broadly applicable, offering a well-rounded education. However, while specific classes for occupational therapy might not be available, many relevant courses enhance your adaptability and understanding of human behavior.

Here are some high school classes that can be particularly helpful:

AP Psychology: Provides in-depth knowledge of human behavior and mental health. Introduction to Psychology: A foundational course offering a basic understanding of psychological concepts. Communication: Enhances your ability to interact with and understand patients. Sociology: Teaches the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Biology: Essential for understanding the physical aspects of rehabilitation. Statistics: Useful for interpreting and analyzing psychological data.

In addition, schools often offer Independent Study classes, which allow for self-directed learning. This type of course can be highly beneficial as it often involves conducting advanced research under faculty supervision, producing high-quality and rigorous work that can serve as outstanding evidence of your commitment to the field.

Enrolling in Psychology Courses

For students eager to dive deeper into psychology, a variety of courses are available outside of the traditional high school curriculum. Here, we highlight two psychology courses currently offered through Aralia:

Intro to Psychology: A foundational course that provides an overview of psychological concepts and theories. Advanced Psychology: An in-depth course for students seeking to explore the field of psychology further. Psychology Research Program: An advanced course that focuses on research methods and methodologies.

All these courses are taught by a seasoned Psychology professor at Post University with extensive teaching and clinical experience. For more information, including the curriculum and pricing, feel free to contact us for a detailed overview and to discuss your future academic plans.

Conclusion

While specific high school classes do not guarantee success in occupational therapy, a well-rounded education and a focus on psychology-related subjects can provide a strong foundation. By selecting the right high school courses and staying on track with your academic performance, you can set yourself up for success in your future career in occupational therapy.